Recording medium cartridge having an accommodation portion for a noncontact-type memory

ABSTRACT

The recording medium cartridge includes a cartridge case containing a recording medium and a noncontact-type memory having an IC section for storing information and performing signal processing and an antenna section for transmitting and receiving signals. The antenna section of the memory is placed in a region furthest from metallic parts.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/851,991 filed May 10,2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,791. The entire disclosure of the priorapplication, application Ser. No. 09/851,991 is considered part of thedisclosure of the present application and is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recording medium cartridge whichincorporates a magnetic recording medium, such as a magnetic tape or amagnetic disk, or an optical recording medium, such as a magneto-opticaldisc or an optical disc, and which is, for example, a magnetic tapecassette or a magnetic tape cartridge. That is, the present inventionbelongs to the technical field of a recording medium cartridge formed byaccommodating a recording medium, e.g., a magnetic recording medium,such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, or an optical recordingmedium in a cartridge case. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a recording medium cartridge having, for example, anoncontact-type memory (IC memory) called a cartridge memory (CM), inwhich are recorded information (data) on the recording medium cartridgeand information (data) on the contents of information (data) recorded ona recording medium accommodated in the recording medium cartridge, andwhich is, for example, set in or, preferably, attached to the cartridgein such a manner that information can be easily read from or written tothe memory. The cartridge memory has an IC section (IC memory) forstoring information and performing signal processing, and an antennasection for transmitting and receiving signals to transfer data.

The present invention also relates to a cartridge label for use invarious cartridges incorporating various recording mediums, e.g., amagnetic tape, a magnetic disk, and an optical recording medium and,more particularly, to a cartridge label having a noncontact-type memory(IC memory, cartridge memory (CM)) for recording information on therecording medium cartridge and information (data) on the contents ofinformation (data) recorded on a recording medium accommodated in therecording medium cartridge.

2. Description of the Related Art

Compact lightweight magnetic tape cassettes and magnetic tape cartridgescapable of recording digital signals at a high density are known. Forexample, a digital audio tape (DAT) is known as a magnetic tape cassettefor recording an analog speech signal by converting the analog signalinto a digital signal, e.g., a pulse-code-modulated (PCM) signal and/orfor reproducing an analog signal. As small magnetic tape cassettes andmagnetic tape cartridges for recording computer data, those specified inaccordance with, for example, JISX6127 (1992), JISX6129 (1993), JISX6130(1996) and JISX6141 (1993) in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)with respect to the structure, size, etc., are known.

Various magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape cartridges and magnetic(or magneto-optical) disk cartridges are known as external storage meansfor computers or the like. In particular, recording medium cartridgesused as recording mediums for computer memory backup, for example,include those of a one-reel type in which a magnetic tape is woundaround a single reel rotatably accommodated in a cartridge case, thoseof a type having a single magnetic disk (or magneto-optical disc)rotatably accommodated in a cartridge case, and those of a typeaccommodating a pair of winding hubs around which a magnetic tape iswound (including, for example, those of a type having an openingspecified in accordance with the above-mentioned JISX6141, etc., withrespect to the structure, size, etc.). Such magnetic tape cartridges andother recording medium cartridges are used for, for example, savingcomputer data or the like and for recording important information.

Various sorts of information are recorded on recording medium cartridgessuch as magnetic tape cartridge. To identify the contents of recordedinformation and the kind of a magnetic tape or the like from a magnetictape, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disc or an optical disc(hereinafter typified by a magnetic tape) without reading theinformation itself, an arrangement has been devised in which anoncontact-type memory called a cartridge memory (CM) and using an ICmemory in the form of an IC chip capable of writing and readinginformation in a noncontact manner is provided separately from themagnetic tape or the like and attached to the cartridge case. Schemes toputting recording medium cartridges using such a noncontact-type memoryto practical use are being advanced. Conventionally, such a cartridgememory is of an internal type to be attached to an internal portion of acartridge case by considering increasing drive design variations andprotection against attachment of extraneous matters and exertion of animpact to the cartridge memory.

This cartridge memory is intended to record information separately frominformation recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, hasan IC section (IC memory) for storing information and performing signalprocessing and an antenna section for transmitting and receivingsignals, and is capable of information read/write from or to the ICsection in a noncontact manner without using terminals or the like forconnection. As described below, the cartridge memory itself has no powersource and operates to record information in the form of electricalsignal on the basis of an electromagnetic induction system using acurrent induced by electromagnetic induction or an electrostatic systemin which a signal output from a signal (data) read/write means(reader/writer) provided in an apparatus (deck) for recording andreproducing magnetic information or a signal transmitting/receivingmeans (antenna) used for the read/write means is utilized.

Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 11-317050 discloses a one-reeltype magnetic tape cartridge having such a cartridge memory.

As shown in FIG. 31, this magnetic tape cartridge 200 has a cartridgememory 208 constituted by a noncontact memory having an antenna 204 fortransmitting and receiving signals and an IC section 206, and thecartridge memory 208 is provided in an outer casing (cartridge case)210. The illustrated magnetic tape cartridge 200 is ordinarily loaded ina recording and reproduction apparatus (deck) (not shown) in a directionindicated by arrow 202 in the figure.

The IC section 206 is, for example, a well-known storage device(memorydevice) in the form of an IC chip, e.g., and IC memory capable ofinputting and outputting information (data) in the form of electricalsignal, and stores information about the magnetic tape cartridge 200,information about the contents of information recorded on the magnetictape, etc.

The antenna 204 is a coil antenna for transmitting and receiving dataand for receiving driving power. The antenna 204, for example, convertsa magnetic field produced by a read/write means provided on the deckside for read/write of a signal from or to the cartridge memory 208 tosupply driving power to the cartridge memory 208, transmits a signalrepresenting information stored in the IC section 206 to the read/writemeans on the deck side, receives a signal transmitted from theread/write means on the deck side, and supplies the received signal tothe IC section 206.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge memory 208 has the IC section206 and the antenna 204 combined integrally with each other and ismounted in the magnetic tape cartridge 200 close to a bottom surface 212and a back surface 214 of the magnetic tape cartridge 200 at an angle ofabout 45 degrees to each of the bottom surface 212 and the back surface214.

To mount such a cartridge memory in a recording medium cartridge such asa magnetic tape cartridge, the cartridge memory is ordinarily placed ina suitable cartridge memory accommodation space according to theinternal construction of the cartridge by considering the assemblyfacility and productivity as needed.

Such a cartridge, however, has various metallic parts, e.g., screws forfastening the upper and lower halves to assemble the cartridge, and aspring for urging a hub brake release means (a brake spring).

As described above, a noncontact-type memory such as a cartridge memoryobtains driving power and transmits and receives signals through anelectromagnetic induction system, an electrostatic system or the like.Therefore, if a metallic component exists in the vicinity of the antennaof the noncontact-type memory, there is a possibility of failure tosuitably supply electric power, which may result in a malfunction, or apossibility of transmitting and receiving of signals being badlyinfluenced to cause incorrect transmitting and receiving of signals.

This problem may be solved by replacing all the metallic parts used inthe cartridge with resin parts. This method, however, requireshigh-priced parts which may be low in mechanical and thermal strength,and entails considerable difficulty in obtaining the desired recordingmedium cartridge in terms of each of the quality and the manufacturingcost of the cartridge.

In the conventional art, there is a second problem that, to attach acartridge memory to a magnetic tape cassette or a magnetic tapecartridge, the structure, size, etc., of which are specified in detailas described above, for the purpose of indicating the contents ofinformation recorded on a magnetic tape accommodated in the cartridge,it is necessary to design an attachment structure with great care so asto avoid interference with running of the magnetic tape and not to causea reduction in structural rigidity.

There is a third problem of the conventional art described below. Theremay be the recording medium cartridge for data recording, such as amagnetic tape cartridge, may be small in overall size. Because of such arestricted size and the specific structure of the recording mediumcartridge, the spaces for a magnetic tape winding, a mechanism forpreventing an inadvertent erasing operation and a mode detectionmechanism generally occupy the entire internal space of the cartridge.Further, in recent magnetic tape cartridges, the diameter of themagnetic winding is increased for the purpose of increasing therecording capacity, and it is more difficult to incorporate a cartridgememory (memory IC) in such cartridges on the basis of the conventionalincorporation method.

In the conventional art, there is a fourth problem that, in a case wherea cartridge memory is mounted in a recording medium cartridge such as amagnetic tape cartridge by an arrangement system such as that in theillustrated example described above, there is a possibility of ahindrance to transmitting and receiving of data between the cartridgememory and a recording and reproduction apparatus (deck) for a reasonrelating to the recording medium cartridge on the mount side when therecording medium cartridge is set in the recording and reproductionapparatus.

There is a fifth problem of the conventional art described below. Aftera cartridge memory has been incorporated in a magnetic tape cartridge inthe manner described above with respect to the illustrated example, itmay be found to be defective by an operation check. In such a case,there is a need to change the cartridge memory by disassembling theexternal casing of the assembled magnetic tape cartridge. Therefore itis necessary to make an operation check of the cartridge memory beforethe cartridge memory is mounted.

Also, since cartridge memories are high-priced, they may be reused ifthe magnetic tape cartridge in which the cartridge memory becomesunusable for some reason. Reuse of cartridge memories requirestroublesome operations of disassembling magnetic tape cartridges to takeout the cartridge memories.

A sixth problem of the conventional art relates to a method for mountinga cartridge memory in a recording medium cartridge other than thatdescribed above with reference to FIG. 31. For example, a method ofattaching a cartridge memory as a label to a recording medium cartridgein such a manner that the cartridge memory is set in a back label on therecording medium cartridge. More specifically, for example, a method forattachment of a cartridge memory to a video tape cassette is disclosedin Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-177776.

In the art disclosed in this publication, a cartridge memory such asthat described above is provided in a back label to be attached to aback surface of a video tape cassette. That is, in this back label(cartridge label), an IC chip (IC memory) constituting an IC section ofthe cartridge memory is placed on a cushion layer and a protective sheetis provided over the IC chip, thus realizing a cartridge memoryattachment method facilitating handling of the cartridge memory.

The cassette label in the above-described conventional art entails adrawback in that, when a user writes on the cassette label informationon the contents of a recording in the video tape cassette, the user maydamage the IC chip (IC memory) in the cartridge memory in the cartridgelabel by, for example, applying a high pressure to the point of aball-point pen.

The art disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-177776includes a method for avoiding damage to the IC chip in such a situationby providing, on a region (IC section) in which the IC chip (IC memory:an integrated circuit including a memory section and a signal processingsection) in the cartridge memory accommodated in the cartridge label isplaced, a logo description area where a predetermined set of letters orfigure is printed in advance to inhibit writing of letters, a figure,etc., on this region substantially.

The sixth problem of the conventional art resides in that, although thecartridge label in the art disclosed in the above-described publicationwas designed by considering protection of the IC chip in the cartridgememory, it is, in fact, also important to consider prevention of damage(causing disconnection or the like) to the antenna conductor (coil) inthe antenna section, and the above-described kind of cartridge label hasnot been designed by considering protection of the antenna section forpreventing such damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-described problems of the conventional art, a firstobject of the present invention is to provide a recording mediumcartridge such as a magnetic tape cartridge on which is mounted anoncontact-type memory (cartridge memory) having an information storageand signal processing section (IC section) constituted by an IC memoryor the like and an antenna section for transmitting and receivingsignals, the recording medium cartridge being free from occurrence ofmalfunction of the noncontact-type memory and an incorrect result oftransmitting and receiving of signals, the recording medium cartridgebeing capable of correctly transmitting and receiving signals to andfrom the noncontact-type memory with stability.

In view of the above-described circumstances, a second object of thepresent invention is to provide a recording medium cartridge designed asa magnetic tape cassette in which a noncontact-type memory can bemounted at such a position as to avoid interference with running of amagnetic tape and not to the structural rigidity of the recording mediumcartridge.

In view of the above-described problems of the conventional art, a thirdobject of the present invention is to provide a recording mediumcartridge designed as a magnetic tape cartridge so that anoncontact-type memory (IC memory) can easily be incorporated even in asmall cartridge case.

In view of the above-described circumstances, a fourth object of thepresent invention is to provide a recording medium cartridge free fromthe above-described problems of the conventional art, that is, when therecording medium cartridge is loaded in a recording and reproductionapparatus (deck), there is no possibility of a hindrance to transmittingand receiving of data between a noncontact-type memory mounted in therecording medium cartridge and the recording and reproduction apparatus(deck).

In view of the above-described problems of the conventional art, a fifthobject of the present invention is to provide a recording mediumcartridge designed as a magnetic type cartridge or the like so that anoncontact-type memory can easily be mounted in the recording mediumcartridge, and so that information can easily be written to or read outfrom the noncontact-type memory.

In view of the above-described circumstances, a sixth object of thepresent invention is to provide a cartridge label used by being attachedto a recording medium cartridge and designed by considering preventionof damage to a antenna section of a noncontact type memory as well asprotection of an IC chip in an IC section of the memory.

In order to attain the first object described above, the first mode ofthe present invention provides a recording medium cartridge comprising acartridge case containing a recording medium; and a noncontact-typememory having an IC section for storing information and performingsignal processing, and an antenna section for transmitting and receivingsignals, wherein the antenna section of the noncontact-type memory isplaced in a region furtherest from metallic parts.

In order to attain the second object described above, the second mode ofthe present invention provides a recording medium cartridge comprising anoncontact-type memory having an IC section for storing information andperforming signal processing, and an antenna section for performing datatransmission by transmitting and receiving signals, data being read fromand written to the noncontact type memory in a noncontact manner; and anaccommodation portion which accommodates the noncontact-type memory atleast partially, and which includes a first portion corresponding to thenoncontact-type memory and a second portion in the vicinity of thenoncontact-type memory; wherein the accommodation portion is recessedone step relative to a surrounding portion.

Preferably, the recording medium cartridge is a magnetic tape cartridge.

Preferably, in the accommodation portion recessed one step relative tothe surrounding portion to accommodate the noncontact-type memory, thefirst portion on which the noncontact-type memory is fixed andpositioned is recessed further one step relative to the second portion,and a position of the noncontact-type memory is limited in front-rearand left-right directions by the first portion recessed further onestep.

It is preferable that the recording medium cartridge further comprises asheet position limit pin with a reinforcement rib, wherein thereinforcement rib of the sheet position limit pin has an extensionportion being partially extending into the accommodation portion whichis recessed one step relative to the surrounding portion and whichaccommodates the noncontact-type memory, and wherein the extensionportion limits a position of the non noncontact-type memory infront-rear direction.

Preferably, the extension portion of the reinforcement rib of the sheetposition limit pin at a side facing the noncontact-type memory is shapedso as to facilitate insertion of the noncontact-type memory.

It is also preferable that the recording medium cartridge furthercomprises a rib for limiting a position of a magnetic tape winding woundaround a hub when the magnetic tape winding plays, the rib being formedin the vicinity of the portion for accommodating the noncontact-typememory, the rib having a certain curvature, the rib having at least alength enough to prevent the magnetic tape winding from contacting thenoncontact-type memory when the magnetic tape winding plays.

Preferably, the rib for limiting the position of the magnetic tapewinding when the magnetic tape winding plays is formed so as to limit aposition of the noncontact-type memory at least in a lengthwisedirection of the magnetic tape cartridge.

Preferably, the rib for limiting the position of the magnetic tapewinding when the magnetic tape winding plays has drafts used at the timeof molding, and the drafts are set so that one draft on a side of thenoncontact-type memory is larger than another draft on a side of themagnetic tape winding.

Preferably, a thick portion which is a non-thickness reducing portionprovided at a foot of a thickness-reducing portion of a portion formedat a rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge and corresponding to amagnetic tape winding is extended to the recessed accommodation portionin the vicinity of a position at which the noncontact-type memory isaccommodated, and the extended portion of the thick portion limits theposition of the noncontact-type memory in a lengthwise direction of themagnetic tape cartridge.

Preferably, in the accommodation portion recessed one step relative tothe surrounding portion to accommodate the noncontact-type memory, a ribhaving a length substantially equal to a size of the noncontact-typememory in a lengthwise direction is provided along a lengthwisedirection of the magnetic tape cartridge.

In order to attain the third object described above, the third mode ofthe present invention provides a recording medium cartridge consistingof a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a cartridge case constituted byan upper case member and a lower case member, a magnetic tape windingbeing accommodated in the cartridge case; and a noncontact-type memoryfor recording information on-contents of information recorded on amagnetic tape and information on the magnetic tape cartridge, whereinthe noncontact-type memory is curved so as to conform to acircumferential configuration of the magnetic tape winding accommodatedin the cartridge case when a diameter of the magnetic tape winding ismaximized, the noncontact-type memory being mounted in the cartridgecase so that the curved shape of the noncontact-type memory forms aportion of an inner wall of a reel area for accommodating the magnetictape winding in the cartridge case.

In order to attain the fourth object described above, the fourth mode ofthe present invention provides a recording medium cartridge comprising acartridge case in which a recording medium is contained; and anoncontact-type memory for recording information on recording mediumcartridge and information on contents of information recorded on therecording medium, wherein the noncontact-type memory is mounted in sucha position as to be exposed when the recording medium cartridge isloaded into a drive.

The fourth mode of the present invention provides a recording mediumcartridge comprising a cartridge case in which a recording medium iscontained; and a noncontact-type memory for recording information onrecording medium cartridge and information on contents of informationrecorded on the recording medium, wherein the noncontact-type memory ismounted in such a position as to be exposed when a cover member of therecording medium cartridge is opened.

Preferably, the recording medium cartridge is a cartridge having thecartridge case rotatably accommodating a single reel around which amagnetic tape is wound, a cartridge having the cartridge case rotatablyaccommodating a single magnetic disk, and a cartridge having thecartridge case accommodating a pair of winding hubs around which themagnetic tape is wound.

The recording medium cartridge may be a two-reel type magnetic tapecartridge specified in accordance with JISX6141 with respect to thestructure, size, and so on, and accommodating a pair of winding hubsaround which a magnetic tape is wound, and the noncontact-type memory ispreferably attached to a back surface of the cover member.

The recording medium cartridge may be a two-reel type magnetic tapecartridge specified in accordance with JISX6141 with respect to thestructure, size, and so on, and accommodating a pair of winding hubsaround which a magnetic tape is wound, the cartridge having an opening,and the noncontact-type memory is preferably attached to a back surfaceof the cover member.

The fourth mode of the present invention provides a recording mediumcartridge of a two-reel type accommodating a pair of winding hubs aroundwhich a magnetic tape is wound, for example, a magnetic tape cartridgebeing specified in accordance with JISX6141 with respect to thestructure, size, and so on, and comprising an opening; and anoncontact-type memory for recording information on recording mediumcartridge and information on contents of information recorded on themagnetic tape accommodated in the recording medium cartridge, whereinthe noncontact-type memory is mounted in such a position as to face theopening.

The fourth mode of the present invention provides a recording mediumcartridge of a two-reel type accommodating a pair of winding hubs aroundwhich a magnetic tape is wound, for example, a magnetic tape cartridgebeing specified in accordance with JISX6141 with respect to thestructure, size, and so on, and comprising an opening; and anoncontact-type memory for recording information on recording mediumcartridge and information on contents of information recorded on themagnetic tape accommodated in the recording medium cartridge, whereinthe noncontact-type memory is mounted on an inner surface of therecording medium cartridge at such a position as to contact the magnetictape.

Preferably, a peripheral portion of a position at which thenoncontact-type memory is mounted is recessed.

In order to attain the fifth object described above, the fifth mode ofthe present invention provides a recording medium cartridge comprising acartridge case constituted of an upper case member and a lower casemember, a recording medium being accommodated in the cartridge case; anoncontact-type memory for recording information on contents ofinformation recorded on the recording medium and information on therecording medium cartridge, wherein the noncontact-type memory ismounted in a recess formed in an outer surface of the cartridge case.

Preferably, a recess is formed in an outer surface portion of thecartridge case around a screw hole into which a screw for fastening theupper and lower case members is inserted, and wherein thenoncontact-type memory is mounted in the recess with a fastening screwat the time of fastening the upper and lower case members.

Preferably, a recess is formed in an outer surface portion of thecartridge case in the vicinity of a portion which serves as a referencesurface when the recording medium cartridge is loaded in a recording andreproducing apparatus, and wherein the noncontact-type memory is mountedin the recess.

Preferably, if the recording medium cartridge has a lid for protecting afront-side opening of the cartridge case, a recess is formed in a sidesurface of the lid at one end in a lengthwise direction of the lid, andthe noncontact-type memory is mounted in the recess.

Preferably, if the recording medium cartridge has slider for protectinga bottom-side opening of the cartridge case, a cut is formed in a rearend portion of the slider; a recess is formed in an outer surfaceportion of the cartridge case coinciding with the cut of the slider whenthe slider is at a position at which the slider uncovers the bottom-sideopening of the cartridge case; and the noncontact-type memory is mountedin the recess.

In order to attain the sixth object described above, the sixth mode ofthe present invention provides a cartridge label capable of beingattached to a recording medium cartridge having a cartridge caseaccommodating a recording medium, containing a noncontact-type memorywherein the noncontact-type memory has an IC section for performinginformation storage and signal processing for recording information onthe recording medium cartridge and information on a recording mediumaccommodated in the recording medium cartridge, and an antenna sectionfor transmitting and receiving signals, wherein at least an antennasection protective indication for indicating an information writing areaother than the area on an antenna coil of the antenna section isprovided on the cartridge label.

Preferably, the antenna section protective indication is provided by oneof printing or attaching a seal which is prepared in advance accordingto a size of the antenna section is performed to provide.

Preferably, the antenna section protective indication designates an areainside a looped antenna constituting the antenna section as aninformation writing area.

Preferably, the antenna section protective indication designates an areainside a looped antenna constituting the antenna section as aninformation writing area, and is design-integral.

Preferably, the noncontact-type memory is reusable.

Preferably, the cartridge label is formed so as to be capable of beinginserted into and drawn out from slide grooves provided in the recordingmedium cartridge, and wherein, when the recording medium cartridgebecomes unnecessary, the cartridge label is drawn out from the slidegrooves of the recording medium cartridge and is inserted into and heldon another recording medium cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a magnetic tapecartridge which is an example of application of a recording mediumcartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of essential portions ofa magnetic tape cartridge which is another example of application of therecording medium cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the magnetic tape cartridge shown inFIG. 2, showing an closed state when the cartridge is not used;

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an essential portionof a recording medium cartridge in a first mode of implementation of thepresent invention, showing a state in which a noncontact-type memory ismounted in the lower half of the magnetic tape cartridge shown in FIG.1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic plan views of the noncontact-type memoryplaced in the magnetic tape cartridge shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the lower half of the magnetic tapecartridge shown in FIG. 4, provided for explanation of a function of therecording medium cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an essential portion of a recordingmedium cartridge in a second mode of implementation in one embodiment ofthe present invention, showing a state in which a noncontact-type memoryis mounted in the lower half of the magnetic tape cartridge (cassette)shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a rear side view of the lower half of the magnetic tapecartridge shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an essential portion of a magnetictape cartridge corresponding to a recording medium cartridge in anotherembodiment of the present invention, taken along a vertical planeperpendicular to the lengthwise direction;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an essential portion of a magnetictape cartridge in still another embodiment of the present invention,taken along a vertical plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an essential portion of a magnetic tapecartridge in a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an essential portion of a magnetic tapecartridge in a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a magnetic tape cartridge in afurther embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which anoncontact-type memory is mounted in the lower half;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge ina further embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in whicha noncontact-type memory is mounted in the lower half;

FIG. 15A is a plan view of a magnetic tape cartridge

of another structure which is an example of application of the recordingmedium cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of showing a state where the presentinvention has been applied to the magnetic tape cartridge shown in FIG.15A;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of an essential portion of arecording medium cartridge in a third mode of implementation in oneembodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which anoncontact-type memory is mounted in the lower half of the magnetic tapecartridge shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a state of another embodimentin which a noncontact-type memory is mounted in the lower half of themagnetic tape cartridge (cassette) shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridgerepresenting a recording medium cartridge in one embodiment of thepresent invention in a fourth mode of implementation, showing an exampleof mounting of a noncontact-type memory on the magnetic tape cartridge;

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge ina further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a magnetic tape cartridge in a furtherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge ina further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a recording medium cartridgein one embodiment of the present invention in a fifth mode ofimplementation, showing a state of a magnetic tape cartridge as seenobliquely below, in which the upper half, lower half, slider, etc.,shown in FIG. 1 are combined, and in which a noncontact-type memory ismounted;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the magnetic tape cartridge shown in FIG.22;

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a magnetic tape cartridge in a furtherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge in a furtherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge in a furtherembodiment of the present invention as seen from below;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an application example of a video tapecassette which is an application target of a recording medium cartridgelabel in a sixth mode of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the basic construction of a cartridgelabel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the detailed structure of alabel base of the cartridge label shown in FIG. 28;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are diagrams showing external appearances of videocassette cartridge labels which are cartridge labels in one furtherembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view of an example of conventionalmagnetic tape cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Recording medium cartridges and a cartridge label in preferredembodiments of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

A magnetic tape cartridge which typifies recording medium cartridge inaccordance with the present invention will be outlined with respect tothe configuration thereof with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridgewhich is an embodiment of application of a recording medium cartridge inaccordance with the present invention.

This magnetic tape cartridge (hereinafter referred to simply as“cartridge”) 10 has a basic configuration corresponding to that ofwell-known magnetic tape cartridges (also called magnetic tapecassettes) specified in accordance with JISX6127 (1992), JISX6129(1993), JISX6130 (1996), JISX6141 (1993), ECMA-288, etc., with respectto the structure, size, and so on. The magnetic tape cartridge 10 isconstituted mostly of an upper half (upper case member) 11, a lower half(lower case member) 12, a supply-side winding hub 14 a and atake-up-side winding hub 14 b rotatably supported axially on each of thetwo halves 11 and 12 at predetermined positions in a casing (cartridgecase) formed by the two halves 11 and 12, and a magnetic tape 16provided as a recording medium, accommodated between the two halves 11and 12 and wound around each of the two winding hubs 14 a and 14 b.

This cartridge 10 has a front lid 18 at the front side of the upper half11 (through which the tape is fed into a deck). The front lid 18 coversand protects the magnetic tape 16 when cartridge 10 is not used. Thefront lid 18 is attached to the upper half 11 so as to be rotatable onsupporting axes 18 a. The cartridge 10 also has a slider 20 forimproving the closure of the cartridge 10 by closing holes or the likeformed in the lower half 12. The slider 20 is engaged with the lowerhalf 12 so as to be slidable in a direction toward the front or rearside (hereinafter referred to as “front-rear direction”, a directionperpendicular to the front-rear direction hereinafter referred to asleft-right (lateral) direction) on a surface of the lower half 12 placedbelow the bottom of the lower half 12 as seen in the figure (hereinafterreferred to as “lower surface”). That is, the slider 20 for closingopening sections in a lower case portion to improve the closure isattached to an outer lower surface of the lower half 12 so as to beslidable in the front-rear direction.

In the cartridge 10, a braking member 22 is attached to the upper half11 to prevent the magnetic tape 16 wound around the winding hubs 14 aand 14 b from loosening when the cartridge 10 is not used. The brakingmember 22 has two braking projections 22 a and 22 b. The bakingprojection 22 a is engaged with a gear 15 a provided on the top of thewinding hub 14 a, and the braking projection 22 b, with a gear 15 bprovided on the top of the winding hub 14 b. The two winding hubs 14 aand 14 b are thereby stopped (inhibited) from rotating to preventloosening of the magnetic tape 16.

The braking member 22 is urged toward the rear side by a brake spring 24mounted on the upper half 11 by being engaged with a projection 11 a.The braking member 22 is thereby moved to and maintained at a positionat which the braking projections 22 a and 22 b engage with the gears 15a and 15 b when the cartridge is not used. When the cartridge is used,the braking member 22 is moved toward the front side with the movementof the front lid 18 to disengage the braking projections 22 a and 22 bfrom the gears 14 a and 14 b, thereby enabling the winding hubs 14 a and14 b to rotate.

A rectangular bottom plate portion 12 a of the lower half 12 has a pairof reel shaft insertion holes 12 b through which reel shafts of the deckare inserted into the cartridge case when the cartridge is used, a pairof extensions 12 c extending forward from left and light ends of thebottom plate portion 12 a, and a pair of screw holes 12 i formed throughthe lower half 12 at centers of cylindrical ribs protecting upward(toward the upper half 11) in the vicinity of rear left and rightcorners of the lower half 12.

A pair of cylindrical ribs 12 d protecting upward and capable of guidingthe magnetic tape 16 are also provided on the two extensions 12 c, andscrew holes formed through the lower half 12 at centers of the twocylindrical ribs 12 d. The space defined between the pair of left andright extensions 12 c is provided to allow entrance of a tape loadingdevice provided in the deck in which the cartridge 10 is loaded.

In the illustrated cartridge, four screws are inserted into the pair ofscrew holes 12 i and the pair of screw holes 12 j from below and arescrewed into corresponding inner surface portions of the upper half 11to fasten the cartridge case formed by combining the upper half 11 andthe lower half 12.

The lower half 12 has a wall-like portion (reel area rib) 12 e formedupright on the bottom surface 12 a at a front side of the bottom surface12 a, i.e., a side along which the space for entrance of the tapeloading device is defined (at which the magnetic tape is exposed). Thereel area rib 12 e is formed upright on the bottom surface 12 a in sucha manner that two ribs each having the shape of a portion of a cylinderare integrally combined so as to form a ridged shape. The reel area rib12 e has the function of preventing the winding hubs 14 a and 14 baround which the magnetic tape 16 is wound (windings of magnetic tape16) from moving freely. The curved portions of the reel area rib 12 eare formed so as to conform to the circumferential surface of each ofthe windings of the magnetic tape 16 wound around the winding hubs 14 aand 14 b when the winding is correctly positioned and when the diameterof the winding is maximized.

A column-like rib 12 g is formed at a center of front portion 12 f ofthe bottom plate 12 a defined as a generally triangular area by the reelarea rib 12 e, the column-like rib 12 g standing upright on the bottomsurface 12 a. A plate spring (slider spring) 26 is fitted between thecolumn-like rib 12 g and the reel area rib 12 e to urge the slider 20 inthe frontward direction.

The lower half 12 has in its side wall portions circular-arc recesses 12k formed so as to conform to the circumferential surface of themaximum-diameter winding of the magnetic tape 16 and to avoidinterference with the winding of the magnetic tape 16. The recesses 12 kand the reel area rib 12 e define a reel area (inner wall surfacesdefining a reel area).

A groove 12 h is formed as a thickness-reducing groove in a portion ofthe bottom plate 12 a of the lower half 12 in the vicinity of the rearside.

The slider 20 moves (slides) in the front-rear direction by sliding onthe lower surface of the lower half 12 (contacting the lower surfaceopposite from the bottom surface 12 a from below). When the slider 20 isat a front position, it closes, for dustproofing, the space for entranceof the tape loading device through the font side of the lower half 12between the two extensions 12 c and the reel insertion holes 12 b by itsbottom surface 20 a.

When the slider 20 is at a receding position, it opens the space forentrance of the tape loading device between the two extensions 12 c.Simultaneously, two holes 20 b formed in the bottom plate 20 a of theslider 20 are aligned with the reel shaft insertion holes 12 b to enablethe reel shafts of the deck to be inserted into the reel shaft insertionholes 12 b.

Further, the slider 20 has a wall-like rib 20 c extending upright from aportion of the bottom surface 20 a in the vicinity of the front side ofthe bottom surface 20 a. The rib 20 c is provided to receive the urgingforce of the plate spring 26, and the plate spring 26 provided on thelower half 12 as described above contacts the rib 20 c. That is, theslider 20 is urged by the plate spring 26 so as to be fixed at the frontposition.

The slider 20 is automatically moved to the receding position by aninternal mechanism of the deck when the cartridge 10 is loaded in thedeck. When the cartridge is not used, the slider 20 is moved frontwardby the action of the plate spring 26 to close the space between the twoextensions 12 c and the reel insertion holes 12 b, as described above.

The construction of the magnetic tape cartridge to which the presentinvention is applied will be described in more detail by explaining amagnetic tape cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as well as the magnetictape cartridge shown in FIG. 1. The magnetic tape cartridge shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 has the structure, size, etc., specified in accordancewith the above-mentioned JISX6127 (1992) and is basically identical instructure to the magnetic tape cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1 and have thesame components as the same. Therefore the same components shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are indicated by the same reference symbols. However,some components and reference symbols are omitted for ease ofdescription and different reference symbols are added for furtherdistinctions.

The magnetic tape cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 2 has basically the samemain components as those shown in FIG. 1, i.e., an upper half 11, and alower half 12 connected to the upper half 12 to form a main case body, aslider 20 fitted to the lower half 12 so as to be slidable in thedirection of arrow A along bottom and side surfaces of the lower half12, and a magnetic tape 16 accommodated in the main case body.

In this magnetic tape cartridge, the upper half 11 has a tape visualcheck window 11 b formed therein to enable the magnetic tape 16accommodated in the main case body to be visually recognized fromoutside. A front lid 18 is attached to the upper half 11 at the frontend of the same to protect the magnetic tape against intrusion of dustor extraneous matters or from being touched by a user's finger when themagnetic tape is handled. The front lid 18 is freely rotatably supportedon shaft receiving portions provided at the front end of the upper halfthrough its supporting shafts 18 a respectively protecting inwardly fromleft and right side end portions 18 cl and 18 cr.

The front lid 18 covers the front side of the lower half 12 to protectthe magnetic tape from dust or extraneous matters when the magnetic tape(cartridge) is not used. When the magnetic tape is used, the slider 20recedes by sliding in the direction of arrow A and the left and rightside end portions 18 ca and 18 cb rotate on the supporting shafts 18 aas indicated by arrow B to open the front side of the case main body,thereby enabling the magnetic tape to be fed into a recording andreproduction apparatus.

The lower half 12 has a supply-side hub reel (drive) shaft insertionhole 12 ba and a rewinding-side hub reel (drive) shaft insertion hole 12bb formed therein to allow insertion from below of tape driving members(not shown) of a recording and reproduction apparatus when recordingand/or reproduction to or from the magnetic tape is performed. In thelower half 12, grooves 12 ma and 12 mb engageable with lower portions ofa supply-side hub 14 a and a rewinding-side hub 14 b around which themagnetic tape is wound are formed in circumference-edge portions formingthe supply-side hub reel shaft insertion hole 12 ba and therewinding-side hub reel shaft insertion hole 12 bb.

The slider 20 is fitted to the lower half 12 so as to be slidable alongthe bottom and side surfaces of the lower half 12. The slider 20 haselongated engageable slide portions 20 ea and 20 eb provided on rear-endinner edges of its left and right side wall portions 20 da and 20 db.The engageable slide portions 20 ea and 20 eb are slidably fitted inslide channels 28 a and 28 b respectively formed between a left wallportion 11 ea of the upper half 11 and a left wall portion 12 na of thelower half 12 and between a right wall portion 11 eb of the upper half11 and a right wall portion 12 nb of the lower half 12, as indicated bythe broken line in FIG. 3 when the upper half 11 and the lower half 12are combined to form the case main body.

When the magnetic tape (cartridge) is not used, the slider 20 engageswith an engagement lock mechanism provided on the bottom surface of thelower half 12 to be retained at a position at which its front endportions 20 f abut against inner end surfaces of the front lid 18, asshown in FIG. 3. At this position, the slider 20 closes the supply-sidehub reel shaft insertion hole 12 ba and the rewinding-side hub reelshaft insertion hole 12 bb of the lower half 12 to prevent dust orextraneous matters from entering the cartridge from below through thereel insertion holes 12 ba and 12 bb.

When the magnetic tape is used, the engagement lock mechanism isunlocked by the magnetic tape recording and reproduction apparatus andthe slider 20 slides and recedes to a position at which its rear ends 20g abut against rear end portions 12 p of the lower half 12. At thistime, guide holes 20 ba and 20 bb formed in the bottom portion of theslider 20 are aligned with the supply-side hub reel shaft insertion hole12 ba and the rewinding-side hub reel shaft insertion hole 12 bb,thereby opening these insertion holes 12 ba and 12 bb.

The magnetic tape cartridge to which the present invention is applied isbasically constructed as described above.

A recording medium cartridge a first mode of implementation of thepresent invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1through 3 and FIGS. 4 through 6.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the lower half of the magnetic tape cartridgeas an essential portion of the recording medium cartridge in the firstmode of implementation of the present invention. The lower half 12 shownin FIG. 4 is an example of an arrangement in which a noncontact-typememory is attached to the lower half of the magnetic tape cartridgeshown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a noncontact-type memory (hereinafter referred to ascartridge memory) 30 which is a component specific to the presentinvention is inserted in and retained by the groove 12 h formed in thebottom plate portion 12 a of the lower half 12 in the vicinity of therear side.

The present invention is not limited to a particular method forretaining and positioning the cartridge memory 30. Any of well-knownretaining and positioning methods may be used according to the shape ofthe cartridge memory 30 and the construction of the cartridge case.

The cartridge memory 30 has, as described above, an antenna section forobtaining a drive current from a transmitting and receiving means on thedeck side through an electromagnetic system or an electrostatic system,and for transmitting and receiving signals (data), and an IC section (ICmemory) for performing signal processing including storage and supply(read and write) of signals, and transmits or receives information onthe cartridge, information on the contents of a recording in thecartridge, or the like to or from means for recording and readingsignals (or means for transmitting and receiving the correspondingsignals) on the deck side.

In the illustrated example of the cartridge memory 30, as shown in FIG.5, an IC section 30 a constituted by an IC memory in the form of an ICchip is formed on one end-portion of a generally rectangular substrate,and a data communication (transmitting and receiving) antenna section 30b is formed on an outer end (peripheral) portion of the substrate so asto encompass the IC section 30 a. Thus, the IC section 30 a and theantenna section 30 b are formed integrally with each other on onesubstrate. Preferably, the illustrated example of the cartridge memory30 is a member in the form of a substantially rectangular plate and theIC section 30 a placed in one end portion of the cartridge memory 30while being encompassed by the antenna section 30 b is embedded in aresin. The antenna section 30 b placed on a peripheral portionsurrounding the portion where the IC section 30 a is provided may alsobe embedded in a resin. Most preferably, the entire cartridge memory 30is encapsulated in a resin.

In the present invention, the construction and shape of the cartridgememory 30 are not limited to those described above, and the cartridgememory 30 may be of any of other various constructions and shapes. Forexample, the IC section 30 a and the antenna section 30 b may be formedseparately from each other. That is, the antenna section 30 b may beformed separately from the substrate on which the IC section 30 a isformed.

The thus constructed cartridge memory 30 itself has no power source andoperates by a current induced by electromagnetic induction from amagnetic field produced by the antenna of a device provided in arecording and reproduction apparatus (deck) (not shown) and capable ofreading and writing data from and to the cartridge memory 30 when thecartridge 10 accommodating the cartridge memory 30 is inserted in therecording and reproduction apparatus, thereby enabling transmitting andreceiving of data between the data reader/writer of the recording andreproduction apparatus (deck) and the IC section 30 a.

In the cartridge 10 in accordance with the present invention, thecartridge memory 30 is placed in a region furthest from metallic partsdisposed in the cartridge (only the antenna section may be placed insuch a region in the case where the antenna section and the IC sectionare provided separately from each other).

As described above, the cartridge memory 30 (of a noncontact type)obtains driving power and transmits and receives signals through anelectromagnetic induction system, an electrostatic system or the like.Therefore, if a metallic component exists in the vicinity of the antennasection 30 b of the cartridge memory 30, there is a possibility ofoccurrence of a malfunction or an incorrect result of transmitting andreceiving of signals.

In the cartridge 10 (recording medium cartridge) in accordance with thepresent invention, the cartridge memory 30 (antenna section 30 b) isplaced in a region furthest from metallic parts disposed in thecartridge to reduce the possibility of the above-described malfunctionor failure to enable stable and error-free signal transmitting andreceiving between the deck and the cartridge (cartridge memory 30).

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the lower half 12 of the cartridge 10 (seeFIG. 1) shown in FIG. 4.

Main metallic parts provided in the illustrated example of the cartridge10 are the plate spring 26 (indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 6) forurging the slider 20 and the four screws for fastening the upper half 11and the lower half 12. As described above, the plate spring 26 is fittedbetween the wall-like portion 12 e and the column-like rib 12 g of thelower half 12, and the screws are inserted into and passed through thescrew holes 12 j in the extensions 12 c and the screw holes 12 i at therear left and right corners of the lower half 12 and screwed into thecorresponding portions of the upper half 11.

The distance from each of the metallic parts in the cartridge 10 can berepresented by a circle drawn about a center of the metallic part. Thecartridge 10 includes metallic parts other than the above-described fivemetallic parts, i.e., the spring for urging the front lid 18, the brakespring 24 for urging the braking member 22 or the like. Circles drawnabout centers of these parts are contained in the circles correspondingto the above-described five parts. Therefore the influence of themetallic parts other than the five main metallic parts will not bediscussed in the following.

Circles of the same diameter are respectively drawn about the centers ofthe main metallic parts (the center of the plate spring 26 correspondsto the formed end on the ridge-like portion on the rear side). As thediameter of the circles is increased, only a rear portion at a center ofthe rear side in the lateral direction is left out of the circles. Thatis, in the cartridge 10, this region is a region furthest from themetallic parts.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, circles of the same diameter are drawn aboutthe centers of the metallic parts, a region not contained in oroverlapping any of the circles is selected as a region furthest from themetallic parts, and the cartridge memory 30 is placed in this region, asillustrated. As a result, the influence of the metallic parts isminimized and error-free information transmitting and receiving can beperformed.

For example, in the case of a (magnetic tape) cartridge having nobraking member 22 release means (winding hub brake release means)between the winding hubs 14 a and 14 b like the illustrated example, theabove-described rear central portion is ordinarily furthest from themetallic parts and it is preferable to place the cartridge memory 30 inthe furthest region.

According to the present invention, a region furthest from metallicparts may be selected, for example, as a region not contained in oroverlapping any of circles of a suitable size drawn about the centers ofthe metallic parts, as shown in FIG. 6.

The size of circles drawn for this purpose is not particularly limited,and may be determined as desired according to the number of metallicparts, the densities of the metallic parts, the strength of a signalsupplied from the deck, the sensitivity of the antenna section 30 b,etc. To correctly transmit and receive signals, it is preferable to setthe diameter of the circles to such a value that the circles contacts oroverlap each other as viewed in the plan view of FIG. 6 at least withrespect to the closest pair of metallic parts.

Alternatively, the circles about the centers of the metallic parts maybe enlarged as described above to find a minimum region in which thecartridge memory 30 (the antenna section) can be placed without beingcontained in any of the circles in accordance with the size and shape ofthe cartridge memory 30, the internal construction of the cartridge,etc.

Further, the position at which the cartridge memory 30 is placed may bedetermined in such a manner that the circles are enlarged as describedabove, and a region furthest from the metallic parts is defined about apoint finally contained in the circles.

At present, (magnetic tape) cartridges differing in size in at least oneof horizontal directions (the above-mentioned front-rear and left-rightdirections) and thickness directions (perpendicular to the horizontaldirections) but usable in the same deck are being developed to be put topractical use, as are the digital video cassettes and the cassettescapable of recording and reproduction in the Beta-Cam system. That is,cartridges having different cartridge case sizes but usable in the samedeck are being developed.

In most cases, such cartridges use a common means provided in a deck tobe positioned in horizontal directions in the deck. That is, referenceportions formed in the cartridges for horizontal positioning in a deckare basically the same in shape and position regardless of the size.

If the present invention is applied to such cartridges, it is preferredthat, while the above-described conditions are satisfied with respect tocartridges of at least two sizes, the cartridge memory 30 should beplaced so that the position in the lateral (left-right) direction issubstantially constant with respect to horizontal positioning referenceportions in the cartridges.

For example, if a horizontal direction reference portion corresponds toone of the bottom screw holes 12 j of the lower half 12 in theillustrated example of the cartridge 10, the cartridge memory 30 isplaced so that the distance a between a line drawn from the referenceportion in the front-rear direction and the center of the cartridgememory 30 in the lateral direction is substantially constant withrespect to different cartridge sizes.

That is, in cartridges differing in size, the cartridge memories 30 areplaced so that the positions of the cartridge memories 30 in a deck inthe lateral direction are substantially the same.

This arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the need for movingrecording and reading means (signal transmitting and receiving means)placed in a deck when the cartridge is loaded in the deck to performtransmitting and receiving of information between the cartridge memory30 and the recording and reading means in the deck, thereby preventing areduction in signal transmitting/receiving accuracy, occurrence of amalfunction and an increase in deck manufacturing cost due to the needfor this movement to enable suitable transmitting and receiving ofinformation between the cartridge (cartridge memory 30) and the deck.

In this mode of implementation, it is not always necessary to equalize,in the front-rear and vertical (thickness) directions, the positions ofthe cartridge memories 30 in cartridges differing in size.

As described above, the cartridge memory 30 provided in the cartridge ofthe present invention transmits and receives signals in a noncontactmanner. Ordinarily, electric waves or the like for communication areemitted toward an object of transmitting and receiving and can bereceived in a certain effective range in the direction in which they areemitted. Therefore a signal transmitted in this manner to the cartridgememory 30 can reach the cartridge memory 30 with sufficient reliabilityeven if the position of the cartridge memory 30 in a deck varies in thefront-rear direction. Also, in ordinary decks, the position of cartridgememory 30 does not vary largely in the vertical direction while thecartridge size varies.

Thus, in the case of cartridges differing in size but usable in onedeck, the position of the cartridge memory 30 (antenna section) isordinarily within the detection range of the recording and reading meansof the deck provided that the above-described position in the lateraldirection is substantially constant.

The recording medium cartridge in the first mode of implementation ofthe present invention, typified by a magnetic tape cartridge, has beendescribed in detail. Needless to say, the present invention is notlimited to the above-described example of the cartridge and variousimprovements or changes therein may be achieved without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

For example, while the above-described recording medium cartridge hasthe memory held in the lower half, it is not always necessarily to holdthe memory at the above-described position in the present invention. Ifthe condition that the memory is located in a region furthest frommetallic parts is satisfied, the memory (antenna section) may be heldoutside the cartridge case, on a member other than the lower half, e.g.,the upper half or the front lid, or a plurality of memories may be heldon a plurality of members.

The present invention is not limited to the magnetic tape cartridgedescribed above as an example of the recording medium cartridge inaccordance with the present invention, in which a pair of winding hubsaround which a magnetic tape is wound are accommodated in the cartridge.The present invention can also be applied advantageously to a one-reeltype magnetic tape cartridge and to recording medium cartridgescontaining recording mediums such as magnetic disks and opticalrecording mediums.

In the first mode of implementation of the present invention, asdescribed above in detail, the recording medium cartridge incorporatinga noncontact-type memory having an information storage and signalprocessing section constituted by an IC memory or the like and anantenna section for transmitting and receiving signals is free fromoccurrence of a malfunction of the noncontact-type memory or anincorrect result of transmitting and receiving of signals, and therecording medium cartridge (noncontact-type memory) is capable ofcorrectly transmitting and receiving signals to and from a deck withstability.

A recording medium cartridge in a second mode of implementation of thepresent invention will next be described with reference to FIGS. 1through 3, FIG. 5, and FIGS. 7 through 15B.

An embodiment of the present invention based on the arrangement shown inFIGS. 1 through 3 and also having the structure, size, etc., specifiedin accordance with the above-mentioned JISX6127 (1992) will be describedas a typical example of the recording medium cartridge in the secondmode of implementation of the present invention. Needless to say, thepresent invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be widelyapplied to other magnetic tape cartridges of similar constructions.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower half of a magnetic tapecartridge which represents an embodiment of the recording mediumcartridge in the second mode of implementation of the present invention,showing a state in which a cartridge memory corresponding to theabove-described noncontact-type memory is mounted in the lower half.FIG. 8 is a rear side view of the cartridge.

In the magnetic tape cartridge (hereinafter referred to simply as“cartridge”) 10 shown in FIG. 7, the above-described cartridge memory 30(see FIG. 5) is set by being fitted into the groove (thickness-reducinggroove) 12 h close to the rear side of the lower half 12. In thissetting, the cartridge memory 30 may be fixed by using a well-knownmeans such as an adhesive or adhesive tape (double-faced tape).

A position limit pin 121 for positioning a magnetic tape protectivesheet stands upright at a center of the above-describedthickness-reducing groove 12 h, and a supporting rib 32 for preventingdeformation of the position limit pin 121 is formed in thethickness-reducing grove 12 h on the rear side of the position limit pin121. It is therefore preferred that that a portion of the supporting rib32 corresponding to the thickness of the cartridge memory 30 should becut and removed, as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an essential portion of the lowerhalf 12 along a vertical plane perpendicular to the lengthwise directionof the cartridge through the supporting rib 32. In FIG. 9, a portion(indicated by 32 a) of the supporting rib 32 provided in thethickness-reducing groove 12 h is shown as the portion cut and removed.

If a corner portion of the supporting rib 32 on the cartridge memory 30side is chamfered (as indicated at 34), an effect of guiding thecartridge memory 30 when the cartridge memory 30 is set is produced.

FIG. 10 shows mounting of the cartridge memory 30 in the lower half 12in another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view of the lower half 12 along a vertical planeintersecting the supporting rib 32 and perpendicular to the lengthwisedirection of the cartridge. A portion 36 shown by a broken line in FIG.10 represents a groove which is formed along the lengthwise direction ofthe cartridge so as to have a size corresponding to the thickness andlength of the cartridge memory 30, and which is one step deeper than thethickness-reducing groove 12 h.

This groove 36 one step deeper in the thickness-reducing groove 12 h isprovided to facilitate positioning of the cartridge memory 30 when thecartridge memory 30 is set in the groove 12. The groove 36 is formedaccording to the size of the cartridge memory 30 to be set in advance,thereby enabling the cartridge memory 30 to be easily and accuratelypositioned at the time of setting of the cartridge memory 30.

A pair of L-shaped cartridge memory stoppers 38 such as shown in FIG. 11may be provided in an opposed state in the thickness-reducing groove 12h instead of the groove 36 formed one step deeper thanthickness-reducing groove 12 h. The cartridge memory stoppers 38 standat positions spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding tothe length of the cartridge memory 30 in the lengthwise direction of themagnetic tape cartridge. The shape of the cartridge memory stoppers 38is not particularly specified. However, it is preferable to provide agradient on the side facing the cartridge memory 39, which alsofunctions as a draft described below.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the above-described embodiment, in whichcartridge memory stoppers 40 having such a shape as to stop or supportopposite ends of the cartridge memory 30 extend from thethickness-reducing groove 12 on the rear side of the cartridge, i.e., onthe inner surface of the rear side wall of the lower half 12. Thecartridge memory stoppers 40 are also effective in enabling thecartridge memory 30 to be easily and accurately positioned at the timeof setting of the cartridge memory 30.

As another embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge may bementioned in which ribs for limiting the positions of the magnetic tapewindings wound around the hubs (not shown) and having play are formed inthe vicinity of the thickness-reducing groove 12 h in which thecartridge memory 30 is set, the ribs having a certain curvature.

The magnetic tape winding position limit ribs are formed so as to have alength (along a vertical plane perpendicular to the lengthwise directionof the cartridge) long enough to prevent the magnetic tape windings fromcontacting the cartridge memory 30 when they play.

Further, the distance along the lengthwise direction of the cartridgebetween the ends of the magnetic tape winding position limit ribs facingeach other is set in correspondence with the length of the cartridgememory 30 along the lengthwise direction of the cartridge. Thethus-formed magnetic tape winding position limit ribs enable positioningof the cartridge memory 30 set in the thickness-reducing groove 12 halong the lengthwise direction of the cartridge.

The above-described magnetic tape winding position limit ribs havedrafts required at the time of molding. Preferably, these drafts are setso that the draft of the surfaces facing the cartridge memory 30 (thesurfaces facing each other from the opposite sides of the cartridgememory 30) is larger than that of the surfaces on the magnetic tapewinding side (the surfaces facing in the frontward direction of thecartridge).

If the drafts of the magnetic tape winding position limit ribs are setas described above, the effect of guiding the cartridge memory 30 whenthe cartridge memory 30 is set between the magnetic tape windingposition limit ribs is improved. This setting of the drafts requiresonly changing restricted portions of molds for molding and can easily bemade.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential portion ofan example of the lower half 12 in which the above-described magnetictape winding play position limit ribs provided on the lower half 12 areformed so as to improve the cartridge memory 30 positioning function. Inthis embodiment, cuts 42 a are provided in the surfaces of the magnetictape winding play position limit ribs facing the cartridge memory 30 tolimit the position of the cartridge memory 30 in the front-rear andleft-right directions (in both the lengthwise direction of the cartridgeand the direction perpendicular to the same).

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lower half 12 of a cartridge in afurther embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where thecartridge memory 30 is mounted in the lower half 12. In this embodiment,magnetic tape winding play position limit ribs 42 b corresponding to theabove-described ribs for limiting the playing positions of the magnetictape windings wound around the hubs are formed only in thethickness-reducing groove 12 h, and the opposed end surfaces of themagnetic tape winding play position limit ribs 42 b are used forpositioning of the cartridge memory 30 along the lengthwise direction ofthe cartridge.

The above-described positioning means may be combined as desired toachieve effective positioning performance. For example, positioningalong the lengthwise direction of the cartridge is performed by usingthe above-described positioning portions 56 a while positioning in thedirection perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the cartridge isperformed by using the supporting rib 32 cut by an amount correspondingto the thickness of the cartridge memory 30.

The magnetic tape cartridges having the structure, size, etc., specifiedin accordance with JISX6127 (1992) have been described for explanationof the embodiments of the present invention. However, the presentinvention is not limited to the described cartridges and can also beapplied to magnetic tape cartridges of other types (i.e., of otherconstructions).

For example, FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example of application of thepresent invention to a digital video cassette (DVC) of the next largersize than that of the magnetic tape cartridge specified in accordancewith JISX6127 (1992) with respect to the structure, size, etc. In thiscase, the cartridge memory 30 is set in a vacant triangular space C(shown in detail in FIG. 15B) formed by a DVC magnetic tape movementprevention rib shown in FIG. 15A.

In this example, projections 44 a for retaining the cartridge memory 30are provided between the magnetic tape movement prevention ribs 44, thusenabling the cartridge memory 30 to be set with accuracy in a simpleway.

There are other various magnetic tape cartridges to which the presentinvention can be applied and the scope of the claims of the presentinvention encompasses all cases in which the present invention isapplied to such magnetic tape cartridges.

Needless to say, the embodiments described above are for illustrativepurpose only and the invention is not limited to the describedembodiments.

According to the second mode of implementation of the present invention,as described above in detail, a magnetic tape cartridge can be providedin which a noncontact-type memory (cartridge memory) can be mounted insuch a position as to avoid interference with running of the magnetictape and not to cause a reduction in structural rigidity.

A recording medium cartridge in a third mode of implementation of thepresent invention will next be described with reference to FIGS. 1through 3, FIG. 5, and FIGS. 16 and 17.

A magnetic tape cartridge containing magnetic tape windings wound arounda pair of winding hubs will be described as a typical example ofrecording medium cartridge in the third mode of implementation. Needlessto say, the present invention is not limited to this and can be widelyapplied to other magnetic tape cartridges.

The recording medium cartridge in the third mode of implementation ofthe present invention is arranged in such a manner that, in the magnetictape cartridge shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 or in a like cartridge, anoncontact-type memory (cartridge memory), such as the one shown in FIG.5, for recording information on the contents of a recording on amagnetic tape and information on the cartridge is curved so as toconform to the circumferential configuration of one magnetic tapewinding accommodated in the cartridge case when the diameter of the tapewinding is maximized, and the curved cartridge memory is mounted in thecartridge case so as to form, by its curved shape, an inner wall portiondefining a reel area in the cartridge case.

A first embodiment of the recording medium cartridge in the third modeof implementation of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 16, in the first embodiment, a cartridge memory 30(see FIG. 5) curved so as to conform to the circumferential (outermost)configuration of one magnetic tape winding accommodated in the cartridgecase when the diameter of the tape winding is maximized is placed on onecircumference along with a side wall recess 12 k and a wall portion(hereinafter referred to as “reel area rib”) 12 e formed so as to have aridged shape, thereby forming reel area inner wall surfaces.

The cartridge memory 30 has such a rigidity as to be able to be mountedby after being bent so as to have a predetermined curvature, asdescribed above. The corresponding corner portion of the cartridgememory 30 is higher in strength and can be suitably used as a portion onwhich the cartridge memory 30 is mounted. Also, at this corner portion,a certain gap is formed between the slider 20 and the lower half 12 orthe upper half 11. Therefore, if the cartridge memory 30 is mounted atthis position, it can serve as a wall for dustproofing.

The cartridge memory 30 may be mounted at the other rear corner of thelower half 12 as well as at the position indicated in FIG. 16. If thecartridge memory 30 is mounted in a corner portion of the cartridge casein the above-described manner, information stored in cartridge memory 30can be accessed in two directions, i.e., a direction from the rear and alateral direction when the cartridge is attached.

A second embodiment in this mode of implementation will next bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the second embodiment, a cartridge memory 30which, like that in the first embodiment, is curved so as to conform tothe circumferential (outermost) configuration of one magnetic tapewinding accommodated in the cartridge case when the diameter of the tapewinding is maximized is mounted in place of a cut portion of the reelarea rib 12 e of the lower half 12, the curvature of the cartridgememory 30 being adjusted to that of the reel area rib 12 e. Thus, thecartridge memory 30 forms (a portion of) the reel area inner wallsurface.

The reel area wall portion formed by replacing a portion of the reelarea rib 12 e with the cartridge memory 30 becomes weak in strength.However, since the reel area rib 12 e is cut only partially, and sinceit is possible to leave an end portion of the reel area rib 12 e, asufficient strength of the reel area rib 12 e can be maintained.

Alternatively, a portion of the reel area rib 12 e may be reduced inthickness instead of being cut to mount the cartridge memory 30. Thecartridge memory 30 is attached to the portion reduced in thickness. Insuch a case, the cartridge memory 30 may be attached to the outersurface of the reel area rib 12 e or may be attached to the innersurface of the reel area rib 12 e after being bent so as to have areverse curvature.

In the above-described embodiments, a curved cartridge memory is mountedby utilizing its curved shape. Therefore the cartridge memory can bemounted without requiring a space specially spared in the cartridgecase, and can be incorporated even in a small cartridge case withoutimpairing various functions in the cartridge case.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described magnetictape cartridge. The present invention can also be applied to a one-reeltype magnetic tape cartridge and to cartridges and the like other thanthe magnetic tape cartridge, e.g., recording medium cartridgescontaining recording mediums such as magnetic disks and opticalrecording mediums. In the case of an application to a one-reel typemagnetic tape cartridge, the cartridge memory may be curved so as toconform to the circumferential configuration of the reel and may beattached at any given position to form a reel area inner wall surface.

The magnetic tape cartridges in the third mode of implementation of thepresent invention have been described in detail. Needless to say, thepresent invention is not limited to the above-described examples andvarious improvements or changes therein may be achieved withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

According to the third mode of implementation of the present invention,as described above, a noncontact-type memory (cartridge memory) caneasily be incorporated even in a small cartridge case without changingthe structure of the cartridge case.

A recording medium cartridge in a fourth mode of implementation of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3,FIG. 5, and FIGS. 18 through 21.

Before describing various embodiments of the recording medium cartridgein the fourth mode of implementation of the present invention, theconstruction of a recording medium cartridge to which the presentinvention is applied will be described.

As a first object of application of the present invention in the fourthmode of implementation, a one-reel type magnetic tape cartridge will bedescribed which has a flat cartridge case made of a hard plastic andconstituted by a lower half having a flat rectangular shape and an upperhalf having a planar shape similar to that of the lower half andsuperposed on the lower half, the upper and lower halves being fastenedto each other by fastening means such as screws screwed into four cornerportions, and in which a single magnetic tape reel (hereinafter referredto simply as “reel”) on which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatablyaccommodated in the cartridge case.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the above-described cartridge memory 30(see FIG. 5) is mounted in a magnetic tape cartridge 50 of theabove-described construction, which represents a first embodiment inthis mode of implementation. In this embodiment, the cartridge memory 30is mounted on the inner surface of a lid 56 for closing an openingformed in a side wall portion of the cartridge case of the cartridge 50constituted by an upper half 52 and a lower half 54. In mounting thecartridge memory 30, the cartridge memory 30 is fixed by, for example, ascrew passed through its portion inside the data communication antennasection 30 b (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge memory 30.

When the thus-constructed cartridge 50 in this embodiment is loaded in arecording and reproduction apparatus (deck), the lid 56 at the openingis opened by a lid opening means provided in the recording andreproduction apparatus to draw out the magnetic tape 58 accommodatedtherein and the cartridge memory 30 mounted on the inner surface of thelid 56 is exposed, thereby enabling data communication between thecartridge memory 30 and a data reader/writer in the deck withouthindrance.

That is, the lid 56 at the opening of the magnetic tape cartridge 50 inthe above-described embodiment is normally closed to protect thecartridge memory 30 against damages from the outside. When the magnetictape cartridge 50 is loaded in a recording and reproduction apparatus,the lid 56 at the opening is opened to enable the magnetic tape 58accommodated in the cartridge to be drawn out. The cartridge memory 30is thereby exposed to enable data communication (transmitting/receiving)between the cartridge memory 30 and a data reader/writer of therecording and reproduction apparatus without hindrance and free from theinfluence of any intervening matter.

As a second object of application of the present invention in the fourthmode of implementation, a disk cartridge will be described which has aflat cartridge case made of a hard plastic and constituted by an upperhalf and a lower half each having a flat substantially rectangularshape, the upper and lower halves being superposed on and fastened toeach other at respective four corner portions, and in which a magneticdisk, an magneto-optical disk or the like is rotatably accommodated inthe cartridge case.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the above-described cartridge memory 30is mounted in a magnetic disk cartridge 60 which represents a secondembodiment in this mode of implementation, and which has a slide typeshutter similar to that of a floppy disk (FD). The magnetic diskcartridge 60 is constituted by an upper half 62 and a lower half 64, anda magnetic disk 68 is accommodated between the upper and lower halves 62and 64.

The upper half 62 and the lower half 64 respectively have openings 62 aand 64 a opposite from each other. A shutter 66 is provided whichcatches two surface portions of the upper and lower halves 62 so as tobe slidable along slide grooves 62 a and 64 a respectively formed in the(upper and lower) surfaces of the upper and lower halves 62 and 64. Theshutter 66 is urged by a spring (not shown) normally in the direction toclose the openings 62 a and 62 b.

The above-described cartridge memory 30 is mounted in the vicinity ofthe opening 62 a of the upper half 62 which is normally protected by theshutter 66. When the magnetic disk cartridge 60 is loaded in a recordingand reproduction apparatus, the shutter 66 closing the opening 62 a isopened by a shutter opening means provided in the recording andreproduction apparatus to expose the cartridge memory 30, which ismounted in the surface of the upper half 62, and which is normallylocated under a shutter portion.

In the magnetic disk cartridge 60 of this embodiment, the shutter 66normally closing the opening 62 a and protecting the cartridge memory 30against damages from the outside is opened to expose the cartridgememory 30 when the magnetic disk cartridge 60 is loaded in a recordingand reproduction apparatus, thereby enabling data communication betweenthe cartridge memory 30 and a data reader/writer of the recording andreproduction apparatus without hindrance and free from the influence ofany intervening matter.

As a third object of application of the present invention in the fourthmode of implementation, a two-reel type magnetic tape cartridge will bedescribed which has a flat cartridge case made of a hard plastic andconstituted by a lower half having a flat rectangular shape and an upperhalf having a planar shape similar to that of the lower half andsuperposed on the lower half, the upper and lower halves being fastenedto each other by fastening means such as screws screwed into four cornerportions, and in which a magnetic tape wound around a pair of rotatablewinding hubs is accommodated in the cartridge case.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the above-described cartridge memory 30is mounted in the above-described magnetic tape cartridge 10 in a thirdembodiment in this mode of implementation. In this embodiment, thecartridge memory 30 is mounted on a lower (inner) surface portion of theupper half 11 of the cartridge 10 corresponding to an opening 46 formedwhen the slider 20 recedes. In mounting the cartridge memory 30, thecartridge memory 30 is fixed by a screw passed through its portioninside the antenna section 30 b.

Preferably, in mounting the cartridge memory 30 in the lower (inner)surface portion of the upper half 11 of the cartridge 10, the peripheralportion of the position at which the cartridge memory 30 is attached isrecessed sufficiently deeply for the purpose of avoiding unnecessaryinterference with the magnetic tape 16 when it runs in the magnetic tapecartridge 10.

In the thus-constructed magnetic tape cartridge 10 of this embodiment,the opening 46 is normally closed by the slider 20. When the magnetictape cartridge 10 is loaded in a recording and reproduction apparatus, atape loading device provided in the recording and reproduction apparatuscauses the slider 20 to recede to uncover the opening 46. The cartridgememory 30 mounted on the inner surface of the upper half 11 of themagnetic tape cartridge 10 is thereby exposed to enable datacommunication (transmitting/receiving) between the cartridge memory 30and a data reader/writer of the recording and reproduction apparatuswithout hindrance.

FIG. 21 shows a state in which the above-described cartridge memory 30is mounted in the above-described magnetic tape cartridge 10 in a fourthembodiment in this mode of implementation. This embodiment differs fromthe third embodiment shown in FIG. 20 in that the cartridge memory 30 inthis embodiment is mounted on the inner surface of the lid 18 rotatablyattached to the upper half 11 of the cartridge 10. In mounting thecartridge memory 30, the cartridge memory 30 is fixed by a screw passedthrough its portion inside the antenna section 30 b.

Preferably, an inner surface portion of the lid 18 including the portionto which the cartridge memory 30 is attached is recessed sufficientlydeeply for the same purpose as in the embodiment 3, i.e., for thepurpose of avoiding unnecessary interference with the magnetic tape 16when it runs in the cartridge 10.

In the thus-constructed magnetic tape cartridge 10 of this embodiment,the cartridge memory 30 is normally protected against damages from theoutside by the closed lid 18. When the magnetic tape cartridge 10 isloaded in a recording and reproduction apparatus, a tape loading deviceprovided in the recording and reproduction apparatus opens the lid 18 toexpose the cartridge memory 30 mounted on the inner surface of the lid18 of the cartridge 10, thereby enabling data transmitting/receivingbetween the cartridge memory 30 and a data reader/writer of therecording and reproduction apparatus without hindrance.

In an embodiment based on a concept totally different from the above,for example, the cartridge memory 30 mounted on the inner surface of thelid 18 of the above-described cartridge 10 may be allowed to lightlycontact the magnetic tape 16 to such a degree that running of themagnetic tape 16 is not adversely affected.

In this embodiment, while the same effects achieved in each of theabove-described embodiments are maintained as much as possible, it ispossible to achieve an effect of preventing jamming (deviating from theproper path and being stuck in a different path, for example) of themagnetic tape 16 due to accumulation of electric charge on the magnetictape 16 caused during running or slack caused in the magnetic tape 16when the tape is stopped.

Needless to say, the embodiments described above are for illustrativepurpose only and the invention is not limited to the describedembodiments.

According to the fourth mode of implementation of the present invention,as described above in detail, a recording medium cartridge can beprovided which is free from any hindrance to data transmitting/receivingbetween a noncontact-type memory (cartridge memory) mounted in therecording medium cartridge and a recording and reproduction apparatus(deck) when the recording medium cartridge is set in the recording andreproduction apparatus.

More specifically, the cartridge memory is mounted on an internalportion of the recording medium cartridge such that, normally, that is,when the recording medium cartridge is not used, the cartridge memory isprotected by some protective member, however when the recording mediumcartridge is used, that is, the recording medium cartridge is loaded ina recording and reproduction apparatus, the protective member recedes toexpose the cartridge memory, thereby enabling seamless datacommunication (transmitting and receiving) between the exposed cartridgememory and a data reader/writer of the recording and reproductionapparatus.

A recording medium cartridge in a fifth mode of implementation of thepresent invention will next be described with reference to FIGS. 1through 3, FIG. 5, and FIGS. 22 through 26.

An embodiment of the present invention based on the arrangement shown inFIGS. 1 through 3 will be described as a typical example of therecording medium cartridge in the fifth mode of implementation of thepresent invention. Needless to say, the present invention in this modeof implementation is not limited to the illustrated example of themagnetic tape cartridge, and can also be applied to magnetic tapecartridges of other constructions and to cartridges and the like otherthan magnetic tape cartridges, e.g., recording medium cartridgescontaining magnetic recording mediums such as magnetic disks, andrecording medium cartridges containing optical recording mediums such asmagneto-optical discs and optical discs.

In the fifth mode of implementation of the present invention, acartridge memory conventionally incorporated in a recording mediumcartridge such as a magnetic tape cartridge is mounted on an outersurface of a cartridge case formed by combining an upper case member anda lower case member to solve the above-described problems of theconventional arrangements incorporating cartridge memories.

However, in a case where a cartridge memory is provided on an outersurface of cartridge case, problems described below may arise dependingupon the place in which the cartridge memory is mounted and the mountingmethod.

That is, when the cartridge is loaded into or unloaded from a drive, adeck or the like, there is a possibility of the cartridge memory mountedon the outer surface of the cartridge being caught by some member tobecome obstructive to loading or unloading. Also, when the cartridge iscarried or operated, an external force may be exerted directly to thecartridge memory mounted on the outer surface to damage the cartridgememory.

In embodiments of the present invention described below, in view ofthese problems in the case of mounting a contact memory (cartridgememory) on the outer surface of a cartridge case, an outer surfaceportion of a cartridge to which a cartridge memory is attached isrecessed so as to avoid obstruction to loading of the cartridge into arecording and reproduction apparatus.

The specific examples of the mounting method will be described in thefollowing embodiments.

A first embodiment in the fifth mode of implementation of the presentinvention will first be described.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 asseen obliquely from below, in which the upper half 10, the lower half12, the slider 20, etc., shown in FIG. 1 are assembled.

In the state shown in FIG. 22, the slider 20 is at the position at whichit uncovers the bottom-side opening of the cartridge case (thereceding-side of the cartridge case), and the front lid 18 is openedupward to open the front side of the cartridge case. Since the slider 20is at the receding position, the pair of extensions 12 c at the frontleft and right ends of the lower half 12> are exposed. When thecartridge 10 is inserted into a deck, positioning pins (not shown) onthe deck side are inserted into positioning pin insertion holes 70formed in the extensions 12 c, thereby fixing the position of thecartridge 10 in the deck. That is, the positioning pin insertion holes70 are portions for positioning the cartridge 10 when the cartridge 10is loaded in the deck. Also, surfaces in which the positioning pininsertion holes 70 are opened function as reference surfaces when thecartridge 10 is loaded in the deck.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 22. In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, a recess 74 is formed in a place 72 inthe vicinity of the portion around the positioning pin insertion hole 70of one of the pair of extensions 12 c at the front left and right endsof the lower half 12 which serves as the reference surface, and thecartridge memory 30 is mounted in this recess 74. As shown in FIG. 5,the cartridge memory 30 is constituted by a member in the form of arectangular plate. An antenna section 30 b is provided along thecircumference of the rectangular member, and an IC chip 30 a is placedinside the rectangular member. All the components of the cartridgememory 30 are encapsulated in a resin. As described above, the antennasection 30 b is a coil antenna which supplies the IC section 30 a with acurrent induced by electromagnetic induction from a magnetic fieldproduced by an antenna of a deck-side data reader/writer (not shown) forreading data from or writing data to the cartridge memory 30. Theportion 30 c of the cartridge memory 30 has no particular function.

It is desirable that the depth of the recess 74 is set to be larger thanthe thickness of the cartridge memory 30 to avoid obstruction of thecartridge memory 30 to the movement of the slider 20 when the slider 20moves toward the front of the cartridge case.

Thus, in this embodiment, a recess is formed in the vicinity of theportion which serves as a reference surface for positioning thecartridge when the cartridge is loaded in a deck, and the cartridgememory is placed in the recess, so that the accuracy with which thecartridge memory is positioned is improved to ensure reliable read/writefrom or to the cartridge memory.

Next, a second embodiment in this mode of implementation will bedescribed.

FIG. 24 shows a magnetic tape cartridge which represents a secondembodiment in this mode of implementation. FIG. 24 is a bottom viewsimilar to FIG. 23. The slider 20 of the cartridge 10 in this embodimenthas a rectangular cut 76 formed in its rear end portion. In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, a recess 78 is formed in a portion ofthe lower half 12 coinciding with the rectangular cut 76 when the slideris at the receding position, and the cartridge memory 30 is mounted inthis recess 78.

In this embodiment, only minor changes in molds used for molding thecomponent parts of the cartridge are necessary to form the cut 76 in theslider 20 and to form the recess 78 in the portion of the lower half 12corresponding to the cut 76. Thus, this embodiment has the advantage ofenabling a memory cartridge to be easily added to and mounted in currentproducts.

Since the slider 20 has the cut 76, the slider 20 does not contact thecartridge memory 30 even at the receding position. Therefore, thearrangement may alternatively be such that the cartridge memory 30 isattached to the outer bottom portion of the lower half 12 coincidingwith the cut 76 without forming the recess 78 for receiving thecartridge memory 30 in the corresponding lower half portion. However, itis preferable to form a recess and to mount the cartridge memory in asufficiently deep portion considering the positioning in mounting thecartridge memory and the protection of the cartridge memory.

Next, a third embodiment in this mode of implementation will bedescribed.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a cartridge 80 of this embodiment. Thecartridge 80 of this embodiment is constituted by an upper half 82, alower half 84 and a lid 86 for covering the front side of the cartridge.A side surface 86 a of the lid 86 at one end in the lengthwise directionof the lid 86 has some area. A recess 86 b is formed in the side surface86 a and the cartridge memory 30 is mounted in this recess 86 b.

Normally, the side surfaces of the lid at the ends in the lengthwisedirection are formed by using a slide core during molding. Therefore,the recess in which the cartridge memory is to be mounted can easily beformed in the side surface at one end in the lengthwise direction bychanging the slide core on a mold with the one having a projection.Thus, also in this embodiment, it is easy change current products intothe ones to which a cartridge memory is added.

Next, a fourth embodiment in this mode of implementation will bedescribed.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a magnetic tape cartridge 90 of thisembodiment as seen from below. As shown in FIG. 26, the cartridge 90 ofthis embodiment has a cartridge case constituted by a lower half 94having a rectangular planar shape and an upper half 92 having a shapesimilar to that of the lower half 94 and superposed on the lower half94. The upper and lower halves 92 and 94 are fastened to each other byscrews 96 screwed into four corner portions. A single magnetic tape reelon which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatably accommodated in thiscartridge case.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, a recess 94 a is formed in anouter surface portion of the lower half 94 in the vicinity of a screwhole through which one of the screws for fastening the cartridge case ispassed, and the cartridge memory 30 is mounted in the recess 94 a. Asshown in FIG. 26, the cartridge memory 30 is mounted on the cartridgecase in such a manner that the portion 30 c of the cartridge memory 30shown in FIG. 5 is fastened by the screw 96 to the cartridge case whilethe upper and lower halves 92 and 94 are fastened to each other by thesame screw.

As mentioned above, the portion 30 c of the cartridge memory 30 relatesto no operation, and there is no problem even if it is bored andfastened with the screw 96.

In this embodiment, the cartridge memory can be easily mounted in theordinary cartridge assembly process without requiring any special memberor means for mounting the cartridge memory.

In each of the embodiments in the fifth mode of implementation of thepresent invention, as described above in detail, the cartridge memory ismounted in a recess formed in an outer surface of the cartridge case, sothat there is no possibility of the externally mounted cartridge memorybeing obstructive to the operation of inserting the magnetic tapecartridge into a drive, a deck, an automatic loader or a like apparatus.Also, as such the cartridge memory does not easily receive damages fromthe outside during handling other than loading and unloading.

Since the cartridge memory is externally mounted, it can be easilyinterchanged and can be easily removed to be reused. Further, thecartridge memory can be mounted in the final step in the cartridgeassembly process and the need for checking the cartridge memory beforemounting can be eliminated, so that the number of assembly steps isreduced.

The recording medium cartridges in the fifth mode of implementation ofthe present invention, typified by magnetic tape cartridges, have beendescribed in detail. Needless to say, the present invention is notlimited to the above-described embodiments, and can also be applied torecording medium cartridges containing various recording mediums, e.g.,magnetic recording mediums such as magnetic disks, and optical recordingmediums such as magneto-optical discs, as well as to various magnetictape cartridges. Also, various improvements or changes in the describedembodiments may be achieved without departing from the scope of theinvention.

In the fifth mode of implementation of the present invention, asdescribed above, a noncontact-type memory (cartridge memory) is mountedin a recess formed in the outer surface of the recording mediumcartridge. Therefore the cartridge memory does not obstruct theinsertion of the magnetic tape cartridge into a recording andreproduction apparatus. Also, the cartridge memory does not easilyreceive damages from the outside during handling other than loading andunloading. Also, the cartridge memory can be easily interchanged and canbe easily removed to be reused. Further, the cartridge memory can bemounted in the final step in the cartridge assembly process and the needfor checking the cartridge memory before mounting can be eliminated, sothat the number of assembly steps is reduced.

A cartridge label for a recording medium cartridge in a sixth mode ofimplementation of the present invention will be described with referenceto FIGS. 27 through 30B.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an example of a video tape cassette towhich a recording medium cartridge label in the sixth mode ofimplementation of the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 27, a cartridge label 100 in this mode ofimplementation is attached as a back label to the back surface of avideo tape cassette (hereinafter referred to simply as “video cassette”)140 known as a type of recording medium cartridge. The cartridge label100 is intended to enable a user to easily confirm information on therecording time and contents of data (video data) recorded in the videocassette 140.

To achieve such an object, a method has been commonly practiced in whichinformation is recorded by handwriting or printing on the conventionalcartridge label attached as a back label to the back surface of thevideo cassette 140. In recent years, a method has been proposed in whicha cartridge memory formed as a noncontact-type memory (IC memory)including the above-described IC chip and antenna section is embedded inthe conventional cartridge label and noncontact magnetic recording inthis cartridge memory is performed in addition to recording byhandwriting or the like. Significant improvements in cartridge labels interms of convenience realizable by such methods are being expected.However, cartridge labels based on the conventional art have beendesigned without due consideration for the protection of the antennasection, although protection of the IC chip in the cartridge memory istaken into consideration. For this reason, no significant improvement inthe effect of preventing damage (disconnection or the like) to theantenna conductor (coil) has been achieved, as described above.

It is to be noted here that while protection of the IC chip requires amethod of protecting the IC chip as a continuous area of a predeterminedsize, the antenna section occupies a looped area and it is effective topositively utilize, as a separate area, the area defined inside thelooped antenna area.

As a cartridge label 100 in this mode of implementation, one having acartridge memory 102 embedded therein, as shown in FIG. 28, is used. Forexample, an IC section 104 for storing information and processingsignals, an antenna section 106 capable of being supplied with electricpower and transmitting and receiving information, and lead wires 108connecting the IC section 104 and the antenna section 106 are embeddedin a label base 110 constituting a cartridge label 100. The label base110 is constituted by a main label member 112 and a double-faced tape114 adhered to the lower surface (as viewed in FIG. 28) of the mainlabel member 112.

The main label member 112 includes, as shown in FIG. 29, coated paper112 a, a reinforcement member 112 b, a polyimide substrate 112 csupporting the IC section 104 and the antenna section 106, andpressure-sensitive adhesive layers 112 e for bonding these members. Thecoated paper 112 a, the reinforcement member 112 b and the polyimidesubstrate 112 c are bonded to each other by two pressure-sensitiveadhesive layers 112 e interposed therebetween, thus integrally formingthe main label member 112.

Considering the protrusion of the IC section 104 from the polyimidesubstrate 112 c, a cut (hole) 116 for protecting the IC section 104 fromimpacts is formed in the reinforcement member 112 b at a positioncorresponding to the mounting position of IC section 104 mount position.

The cartridge memory 102 used in the cartridge label has such aconstruction that the IC section 104 and the antenna section 106 areformed separately and are connected by lead wires 108. That is, as shownin FIG. 28, the IC section 104 of the cartridge memory 102 is positionedat one end of the video cassette 140 (see FIG. 27) while the antennasection 106 is positioned substantially at a center of the videocassette. The IC section 104 and the antenna section 106 are connectedby lead wires 108.

On the label surface above these cartridge memory components,information, e.g., a name of a maker, the type of the video cassette,and the type of video tape accommodated in the video cassette arewritten (printed) in the IC section 104. Therefore, an area where a useris effectively prohibited of additional writing is formed.

On the antenna section 106, a frame-like trace slightly wider than thewidth of the looped bundle of antenna conductors is printed (forindication of protection of the antenna section), thereby emphasizingthat the area inside the frame is one information writing section, i.e.,an information writing area. As a method for making this informationsection easily distinguishable, a method of printing writing items suchas “recording (broadcasting) date”, “title”, or the like may be used.

Further, this frame may be designated as a unified title section in theentire cartridge label area, or 7-segement figure-elements for enteringnumbering figures may be printed in advance to define the area insidethe frame as an area for entering an item in an index covering aplurality of video cassettes. This method of making the area inside theframe easily distinguishable as a writing area (information writingarea) is also effective.

This arrangement will be described in more detail.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are top views of examples of cartridge labels in thefifth mode of implementation of the present invention. As shown in FIGS.30A and 30B, the IC section 104, the antenna section 106 and lead wires108 connecting the IC section 104 and the antenna section 106 in thecartridge memory 102 which are contained in the cartridge label 100 areplaced between the inner layers of the cartridge label 100, as indicatedby the broken line.

On the surface of the cartridge label 100 above the IC section 104 andthe antenna section 106, an IC protective writing section 124 and anantenna protective writing section (antenna section protectionindication) 126 are respectively provided. In the IC protective writingsection 124, information such as described above, e.g., a name of amaker of the video cassette 140 (see FIG. 27), the type of the videocassette, and the type of video tape accommodated in the video cassette140 are written (printed) to define an area where a user is effectivelyprohibited of additional writings.

The antenna protective writing section 126 has a frame (antenna sectionprotection indication) 127 having substantially the same configurationas the looped antenna and a little wider than the width of the loopedbundle of antenna conductors. The frame 127 is intended to effectivelyprohibit a user of additional writings on the frame, thereby protectingthe antenna. Also, the area inside the frame 127 serves as aninformation writing area on which a user can write information on datarecorded by using the video cassette 140 (see FIG. 27).

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 30A, writing items such as“recording (broadcasting) date”, “title”, or the like is printed insidethe frame 127 in advance to urge a user to write therein correspondinginformation on data recorded by using the video cassette 140.

In the example shown in FIG. 30B, a figure writing section is providedinside the frame 27 of the antenna protective section 126 in such amanner that 7-segement figure-elements for entering figures are printedin advance to facilitate numbering such as setting, for example, apreservation number of the video cassette 140 (see FIG. 27).

Thus, the antenna protective section 126 is designed to effectively usethe area inside the frame 127 by urging a user to write informationinside the frame 127 while inhibiting writing on the frame 127 toprotect the antenna.

In the example shown in FIG. 30A, a lead protective writing section 128is also provided on the cartridge label surface 100 above the lead wires108. The lead protective writing section 128 is formed in such a mannerthat a frame 129 having substantially the same shape as the shapedefined by the lead wires 108 is formed in the area bordered by the leadwires 108 to protect the lead wires 108. Also in the case of this leadwire protective writing section 128, a user writing is limited to thearea inside of the frame 129, as is the case with the antenna protectivewriting section 126, thereby effectively prohibiting a user to write inthe outside of the frame 129. The lead wires 108 are thus protected.Also, writing items such as “title” are printed to urge a user to writecorresponding information. For the lead protective writing section 128also, the frame 129 may also be formed so as to be slightly larger thanthe width of the bundle of lead wires 108, as is the case with the frame127 defining the antenna protective writing section 126. If the frame129 is formed in this manner, the lead wire protective writing section128 can also have the same protective and effective-use effects as thoseof the antenna protective writing section 126.

In FIGS. 30A and 30B, portions 130, 132, and 134 represent ordinarywriting sections having no IC protective or antenna protective function.

The thus-formed video cassette cartridge labels 100 in the mode ofimplementation have the advantages of reducing the possibility of damageto the antenna section 106 and damages to the lead wires 108 as well asthe possibility of damage to the IC section 104 when some writing ismade by a user on the labels with a ball-point pen or the like.

Also, for example, at a time, the video cassette 140 (see FIG. 27) onwhich the cartridge label is attached may be loaded in a recording andreproduction apparatus (not shown) to transmit or receive data betweenthe cartridge memory 102 in the cartridge label 100 and read/write meansprovided in the recording and reproduction apparatus on the basis of theread/write means.

To carry out the method of providing an antenna section protectionindication by forming on the surface of the cartridge label 100 theantenna protective writing section 126 for effectively inhibiting a userof writing, a method of forming the desired pattern by printing is thesimplest. However, a method of preparing a seal adapted to the size ofthe antenna section in advance and attaching the seal to the cartridgeis also advantageous in terms of flexibility with respect to changes inproduct specifications.

Preferably, the antenna protective writing section 126 is formedintegrally with a certain design while indicating the area inside thelooped antenna constituting the antenna section 106, i.e. the areainside the frame 127, is an information writing area. The expression“integrally with a certain design” denotes a state where the system forexpression of the framed area covering the looped antenna is combined orassociated with neighboring frames defining other areas to form oneintegral design as a whole.

Since the cartridge memory 102 formed as a noncontact-type memory isexpensive, it is preferable to arrange the cartridge memory so that thememory can be reused. To do so, a method described below, for example,is preferably used. That is, the cartridge label 100 is constructed soas to be able to be inserted into and drawn out of slide groovesprovided in a video cassette 150 constructed as a recording mediumcartridge. When the video cassette 150 becomes unnecessary, thecartridge label 100 is drawn out of the slide grooves of the videocassette 150 and inserted into and held on another recording mediumcartridge.

Needless to say, the embodiments described above are for illustrativepurpose only and the invention is not limited to the describedembodiments.

According to the sixth mode of implementation of the present invention,as described above in detail, a cartridge label can be realized which isattached to a recording medium cartridge and is designed with dueconsideration for the prevention of damage to the antenna section aswell as the damage to the IC chip in the IC section of a noncontact-typememory (cartridge memory). Further, according to this mode ofimplementation, a cartridge label can also be realized which is designedalso with the consideration for prevention of damage to lead wires in acase where the lead wires are required in addition to the IC chip in theIC section and the antenna section in a noncontact-type memory toconnect the IC section and the antenna section.

1. A recording medium cartridge comprising: a cartridge case containinga recording medium; a noncontact-type memory having an IC section forstoring information and performing signal processing, and an antennasection for transmitting and receiving signals; and an accommodationportion for accommodating at least said antenna section of saidnoncontact-type memory and being formed inside said cartridge case,wherein said accommodation portion has a groove for partially insertingat least said antenna section of said noncontact-type memory and beingformed in a furthest region of an inner surface of said cartridge casefurthest from metallic parts of said cartridge, and a pin for supportinga projected part of at least said antenna section of saidnoncontact-type memory projecting from said groove and longitudinallyprojecting adjacent to said groove, and wherein the antenna section ofsaid noncontact-type memory is placed in a region furthest from saidmetallic parts.
 2. The recording medium cartridge according to claim 1,wherein said accommodation portion accommodates said noncontact-typememory having said IC section and said antenna section integrated witheach other.
 3. The recording medium cartridge according to claim 1,wherein said pin of said accommodation portion is projectingly providedat a position adjacent to said groove from an inner bottom surface ofsaid cartridge case in a direction opposite to a depth direction of saidgroove in parallel with an inner wall surface of said cartridge casethat is projectingly formed on said inner bottom surface, and saidgroove of said accommodation portion is formed in said inner bottomsurface in a direction opposite to a projecting direction of said pin inparallel with said inner wall surface.
 4. The recording medium cartridgeaccording to claim 3, wherein said accommodation portion is formed insaid inner surface in a rear side of said cartridge case.
 5. Therecording medium cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridgecase is constituted of an upper half and a lower halt and said grooveand said pin of said accommodation portion are formed in said lowerhalf.
 6. The recording medium cartridge according to claim 1, whereinsaid cartridge case is constituted of an upper half and a lower halt andwherein said groove of said accommodation portion is formed at aposition adjacent to an inner wall surface of said lower half that isprojectingly formed on an inner bottom surface of said lower half insaid inner bottom surface in a direction opposite to a projectingdirection of said pin in parallel with said inner wall surface, and saidpin of said accommodation portion is projectingly provided at a positionadjacent to said groove from said inner bottom surface in a directionopposite to a depth direction of said groove in parallel with said innerwall surface.
 7. The recording medium cartridge according to claim 1,wherein said recording medium cartridge is a magnetic tape cartridge. 8.The recording medium cartridge according to claim 1, wherein saidrecording medium cartridge is a two-reel type magnetic tape cartridge.9. The recording medium cartridge according to claim 8, wherein saidaccommodation portion is formed in a central portion of said innersurface in a rear side of said cartridge case.
 10. The recording mediumcartridge according to claim 8, wherein said cartridge case isconstituted of an upper half and a lower half, and wherein said grooveof said accommodation portion is formed at a position adjacent to aninner wall surface in a rear side of said lower half that isprojectingly formed on an inner bottom surface of said lower half in acentral portion of said inner bottom surface in a direction opposite toa projecting direction of said pin in parallel with said inner wallsurface, and said pin of said accommodation portion is projectinglyprovided at a position adjacent to said groove from said inner bottomsurface in a direction opposite to a depth direction of said groove inparallel with said inner wall surface.